Although repair teams have been hard at work to fix roads that suffered extensive damage during the storms at the end of September, there are still a few routes that remain or closed or where stop-and-go systems are in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the main routes that remain closed to traffic is Clarence Drive (R44). This scenic route, which connects Gordon\u2019s Bay and the coastal towns of Rooi Els, Betty\u2019s Bay and Pringle Bay, suffered serious damage as a result of a number of significant landslips and rockslides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure reports that clearing continues as areas become stable enough to work on. It further stated: \u201cThe main priority remains to enable one lane of traffic to use the road at a time until such time as two-way traffic can be restored. Current indications are that repairs to this route will cost close to R70 million.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, motorists from the Kleinmond side are only able to travel as far as Rooi Els while motorists travelling from the Gordon\u2019s Bay side are only able to drive as far as Kogel Bay. No travel is possible between Kogel Bay and Rooi Els. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe department is not able to make a clear commitment regarding the date on which one-way traffic will be reinstated between Kogel Bay and Rooi Els,\u201d said Jandr\u00e9 Bakker, the Department\u2019s Head of Communication, \u201cbecause the nature of the works exposes areas that become unstable which may pose a risk to road users. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe aim remains to restore access between these two points during the festive period, but it is not clear whether this will be possible. Members of the public should assume that the road will be closed during the festive season unless they receive a different message from the Department of Infrastructure.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department has warned that, even when one-way traffic becomes possible, based on construction requirements, there is a high likelihood of extended closures which will either be for set times during the day, or for a number of days at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe department strongly advises regular users of this road to make longer-term plans to use alternative routes. Current indications are that considerable time will pass before this road can be reopened for two-way traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n R44\/R43 (Kleinmond) intersection<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the storm, unprecedented water volumes flooded the area. This significant water flow undermined the base slab of the culvert, causing it to collapse. Damaged sections have been removed, a new base slab constructed, portal slabs reinstated and concrete for a headwall and wingwall have been poured. The team can now continue with layer works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop and go traffic signals will remain in place over the festive period at this three-way intersection. It is estimated that this project will be completed during Quarter 1 of 2024 at an estimated cost of R 9 million. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are aware that this stop-and-go closure will have a negative impact on traffic flow, but we can assure road users that we are doing all we can to mitigate the impact on traffic during the festive period,\u201d Bakker stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Palmiet Bridge<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erosion behind the abutment of the Palmiet Bridge necessitated the closure of the bridge for safety reasons, followed by lane restrictions as repairs progressed. The estimated cost of these ongoing repairs is approximately R2 million. Traffic accommodation measures will remain in place throughout the festive season and until the time the project is complete, expected during Quarter 1 of 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n A word of caution<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, has expressed concern about the number of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who disregard road closure signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese road users are acting recklessly and putting their lives at risk and creating situations of risk that can be avoided,\u201d he warned. \u201cI know this is a scenic route and many want to use it again, but we cannot allow premature access and risk injury or worse. I can assure the public that we are doing everything we can to get the route open for public access as soon as it is safe to do so.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Although repair teams have been hard at work to fix roads that suffered extensive damage during the storms at the end of September, there are still a few routes that remain or closed or where stop-and-go systems are in 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